Iron-On Patches

Edited: March 6, 2026

What you need | Preparation | Design and Cut | Apply | Care | FAQ

Cricut Iron-on patches are a bold, creative way to transform everyday items into something uniquely yours. Add eye-catching accents to jackets, backpacks, hats, and more with dimensional shapes and vibrant color!

While they’re perfect for decorating and expressing your personal style, they can also be used to reinforce or refresh well-loved pieces. For even more impact, layer different patch colors or add iron-on designs on top to create depth, contrast, and one-of-a-kind detail.

Explore the information below to learn how to use Cricut Iron-On Patches.

What you need

Cricut Iron-On patches can be cut by hand with scissors or with a Cricut cutting machine using images in Design Space. To cut patches with your Cricut machine, gather the following items:

*The blade/cutting tool that comes pre-installed in your machine. No specialty blade required.

**For Cricut EasyPress 3 and Cricut Hat Press.

Preparation

→ Pre-wash

Fabric blanks without fabric softener to pre-shrink and remove chemicals that may prohibit strong adhesion.

→ Identify

Take a moment to identify the fabric side and the glue side of the patch. The glue side is covered with a paper liner to keep the patches separated in the package.

Remove this liner before placing the patch on a machine mat. The glue side will feel slightly plastic-like, which helps differentiate it from the fabric side.

→ Recommendations

To verify cut setting, perform a test cut using a small basic shape. To verify application setting, apply test cut in an inconspicuous area on the blank.

If using a Cricut EasyPress, ensure it’s firm, flat, and around waist high. Be sure to avoid flimsy ironing boards.

Design and Cut

Note: Iron-On patches do not include a carrier sheet and must be positioned on your base material by hand. For easier placement and better results, use solid, larger shapes with plenty of surface area. Avoid small elements or intricate details when designing your project.

→ Make

Customize your design in Design Space. Then, click "Make". DO NOT mirror your design as you would with regular iron-on (HTV).

→ Place on Machine Mat

Remove paper liner from the glue side of the Iron-On Patch. Place the Iron-On Patch glue-side-down (fabric side up) on the machine mat. If needed, secure the edges with low-tack masking tape, such as painter’s tape. Avoid taping over areas that will be cut.

→ Select Material

Choose the material you’re working with from the tiles shown or select "Browse All Materials" to search for your specific material name (“Iron-On Patches”).

If using a Cricut Explore Air 2 or older machine, turn dial to Custom first.

→ Load, and Go

Follow prompts in Design Space to load mat/material and cutting tool into the machine. Press Go. When the cut is complete, press Unload. Remove cut design from the mat by hand.  

Apply

Preheat blank as instructed in our Heat Guide or Cricut Heat app (for Cricut EasyPress 3 and Cricut Hat Press). Make sure the paper liner has been removed from the glue side of the patch.

Place the cut design on the blank with the fabric side up (glue side down). Apply heat and pressure as instructed in the Heat Guide or Cricut Heat app, making sure all edges of the patch are fully covered by the heat plate.

Allow design and base material to cool before handling.

→ Application Tips

For added durability, you can sew the patch onto your base material after applying it.

Personalize your iron-on patch even more by adding additional iron-on designs or layering with other iron-on patch colors after applying the patch to your base material. 

Care

• Allow 24 hours after application before washing
• Machine wash cold
• Tumble dry low or hang dry
• If the patch starts to lift or curl, simply reapply heat to reattach it to your base material. 

FAQ